AFC Doctors Express to Honor Veterans with Free Flu Shots Nov. 11

WEST SPRINGFIELD — AFC Doctors Express, the largest independent urgent-care provider in the Commonwealth, announced that military veterans can receive free flu shots on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov, 11. The announcement is an extension of AFC Doctors Express’ effort to promote flu prevention in the U.S. and comes on the heels of the company’s annual National Flu Prevention Week campaign.

In the wake of AFC Doctors Express’ efforts to promote flu shots and reduce the spread of influenza during the 2015-16 season, the U.S. saw a lower percentage of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness, lower hospitalization rates, and a lower percentage of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza, compared with the preceding three seasons, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Despite the success of AFC Doctors Express’ efforts to mitigate the outbreak of flu, veterans remain at risk.

There are 19.4 million veterans in the U.S., and approximately 750,000 of them do not have insurance coverage. Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces tend to be older and have more chronic health problems than the general adult population, which may place them at greater risk of complications from influenza.

Veterans interested in obtaining a free flu shot on Nov. 11 are encouraged to visit the Springfield, West Springfield, or Worcester locations of AFC Doctors Express.